Revised Reopening Plan Released For Mountain Brook Schools

MOUNTAIN BROOK, AL — Mountain Brook Schools has released its revised reopening plan for the 2020-2021 school year, with the ultimate goal of bringing all students back to school full-time later this semester.

The release of the plan comes one day after the Jefferson County Department of Health issued new guidance stating that it is now reasonable to consider a more flexible approach in reopening secondary schools.

Major changes to the plan are scheduled to take effect on Monday, Oct. 19, and include the following:

• Elementary: Implementation of a rotating schedule in upper elementary grades within classroom groups
• Elementary: Gradual classroom transition into cohorts, grade levels, and schoolwide activities over time
• Secondary: Increase to 100 percent student capacity
• Secondary: In-person classes will be held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, with a virtual day on Wednesday for teacher instructional planning for virtual and traditional students, student support, and cleaning.
• All: Students who wish to transition to or from the full-time virtual option must notify their school by the end of the day on Sunday, Oct. 11.

"Please note this shift doesn't change our district’s commitment to masking, distancing, and practicing good hygiene," MBS Superintendent Dr. Dicky Barlow said. "The health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and all of their families remain our top priority as we open our schools more fully."

MBS will continue to evaluate new data and stay flexible in its planning as it moves forward, Barlow said. Barlow's letter outlining the new plan explains revisions to the plan and the factors behind them.

Vestavia Hills City Schools announced earlier in October students on the hybrid platform may return to campus full time starting October 14.